From The Bay to the Beehive August 2019

I have had a very busy last month out and about in the electorate as well as travelling NZ discussing the challenges of climate change.

Last week my portfolio priorities changed a bit with Simon asking me to take over the portfolios of Agriculture, Food Safety and Biosecurity as well as Forestry. He has also promoted me to the shadow cabinet, for which I feel very privileged. I am passionate about New Zealand’s primary industries, coming from my family's 45 years in kiwifruit and my time with Fonterra.

I intend to be a strong advocate for rural New Zealand as well as my first priority which is ensuring that the needs of the Bay are heard in Wellington.

Keep warm, spring is around the corner.

Kind regards

Todd MullerMP for Bay of Plenty

Next Step New Zealand

Recently I visited Next Step at Mount Maunganui where I met with Morris McFall and new owner Aaron Balsom. Next Step New Zealand is an exercise and recovery centre providing a crucial community service for locals recovering from injuries and disabilities.

Kollective Opening

It was an honour to attend the opening of the Kollective at which our Governor General, Dame Patsy Reddy, officiated. The Kollective is a co-working space for our community services that enables people to hold meetings, network and connect with others working in the not for profit, social and charity spaces. Here I am with local artist Whare Thompson who designed the beautiful plaque which told the story of our local iwi and community coming together.

State Highway 2 in the Youth Parliament

Bay of Plenty Youth MP Samuel Taylor asked the Associate Minister of Transport why the government cancelled the project. Click Sam's photo to watch the video and hear the Minister's response.

Te Puna Rugby Centenary

Te Puna Rugby Football Club turned 100 this year. To mark their centenary the team won the 2019 Farmlands Co-Operative Baywide Men’s Premier final against Tauranga Sports on 20 July. What an amazing game and convincing win at 23-10, plus a wonderful to way for the club to celebrate their 100th birthday. Congratulations to all at Te Puna Rugby and their supporters. Pic Cameron Avery/SunLive.

Climate Change in the Media

The recent interviews I've given to Q&A and Magic Talk have generated quite a bit of correspondence to my office. If you're interested in this issue you may enjoy hearing the comments I made while I was still National's Climate Change Spokesperson. While I've handed the Climate Change reins over to Scott Simpson to manage in conjunction with his Environment portfolio, I'll be continuing to focus on this issue as agriculture and climate are so closely related in New Zealand.